Introducing Youth Access

We are Youth Access, the national membership organisation for youth advice and counselling services across the UK.

We have been supporting the national network of services since 1975, driven by the simple idea that if all young people aged 11–25 can access high-quality, free, community-based advice and counselling services, when and where they need them, they will have the tools to lead happier lives now and in the future.

We support our members in lots of different ways: 

  • by developing and disseminating evidence, training and guidance to our members to ensure services have what they need to thrive and meet the varying needs of young people 
  • by advocating for national policy change 
  • by facilitating rich and rewarding collaboration across our network 
  • by centring and amplifying the voices of young people 

The youth mental health system has, for a long time, been failing to meet the needs of young people, particularly those impacted by poverty, debt and abuse. Yet vital services continue to be neglected and struggle to find funding to support their local communities.

Cassandra Harrison, Chief Executive Officer, Youth Access

Youth Access exists to champion and support the incredible services our members provide: by offering a variety of pathways and environments, our members ensure all young people can access appropriate support, in their local communities.